How to Safely Protect Yourself From Mosquito Bites During Pregnancy

Find out how to safely use insect repellent and other methods to protect against mosquito bites when you're expecting.

If you're pregnant and wondering how you can protect yourself and your baby from mosquito bites, the answer is simple: insect repellent. Not only is it safe to use certain kinds of bug sprays according to the instructions on the product label, it’s also a smart way to guard against Zika and other mosquito-borne illnesses. Here's what you need to know about protecting yourself from mosquito bites and, in turn, Zika.

What attracts mosquitoes to pregnant women?

If mosquitoes seem to love snacking on you more than ever now that you're pregnant, it's not just your imagination: Scientists have found that pregnant women attract twice as many mosquitoes as non-pregnant women do. Experts think it could be because the pesky bugs are fond of carbon dioxide and pregnant women tend to take more frequent breaths, exhaling 21 percent more air — thereby releasing extra amounts of the gas that the pests are so drawn to.

Another reason mosquitoes make a beeline for expectant mothers? They're heat-seeking, and pregnant moms generally have higher body temperatures than other women do, what with all that baby-making going on. The rise in body heat makes pregnant women expel more volatile substances from their skin, which in turn makes them easier for mosquitoes to find (and bite).

Zika and other mosquito-borne diseases

Fortunately, most of the time, all this added attention from mosquitoes is merely an itchy nuisance. But when mosquito-borne illnesses are involved, bites can spread disease that might be dangerous to you and your baby.

In some countries, mosquitoes can carry diseases including the chikungunya, dengue and Zika viruses. To date, the chikungunya and dengue viruses have been found in countries across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Indian and Pacific Oceans. And there have been outbreaks of the Zika virus across the world, including South America, Central America, Mexico, Puerto Rico, parts of the Caribbean, Africa and the United States (specifically in parts of Florida and Texas, although in 2018 no cases of local transmission have been reported inside the U.S., says the CDC). Find out what areas are currently experiencing Zika outbreaks at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's site on areas with risk of Zika.

Are mosquito bites more dangerous during pregnancy?

Sometimes. The CDC has confirmed that when Zika virus infects a pregnant woman, it can cause microcephaly in their babies, a rare birth defect that results in babies being born with small heads, which may lead to developmental delays. In a small number of cases, it's possible that babies born without signs of microcephaly will develop it later on as they grow.

Is it safe to use mosquito repellent or bug spray while you're pregnant?

Yes. The best way to prevent mosquito bites and the diseases they spread — especially if you'll be spending time outside — is by using insect repellent. If you live in or plan to travel to an area where mosquitoes are prevalent, and especially if they're known to carry diseases, it's essential to take the proper precautions, and even more so if you're pregnant. Choose a mosquito spray that's been registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). All of the following are considered safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women to use:

DEET, the most effective type of spray against mosquitoes

Picaridin, a common alternative to DEET known as KBR 3023 and icaridin outside of the U.S.

IR3535

Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)

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The EPA offers a handy insect repellent tool to help you determine which kind of spray is best for you and your family depending on what bugs you need to ward off and how long you'll be outside.

In addition to applying spray to all exposed skin, you can spray your clothing with permethrin for additional protection.

"Natural" repellents with purified forms of plants, like citronella and cedar, may help ward off bugs. However the CDC notes that experts aren't sure of their effectiveness, so you shouldn't rely on them in high-risk areas.

Tips for using insect repellent and sunscreen together

If you're headed outside during the daytime, skip products that combine sunscreen and repellent, since they're just not as effective as when used separately. Instead, apply pregnancy-safe sunscreen before repellent, and keep in mind that you may need to reapply sunscreen more frequently (the SPF decreases when DEET-containing insect repellents are used).

How to prevent mosquito bites

If you live in an area with mosquitoes (and especially if that area is currently affected by a mosquito-borne virus like Zika), protect yourself from mosquito bites by taking all of the following steps:

Stay inside during peak mosquito hours, from dusk to dawn, as much as possible. But be aware that mosquitoes carrying chikungunya, dengue and Zika bite most in the daytime.

Wear protective clothing, including long sleeves, pants and socks. Take extra care to protect your ankles and the back of your neck, as studies have shown certain mosquitoes can pinpoint these body parts and you're less likely to feel it.

Opt for permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks and tents) when possible. You can do it yourself inexpensively by spraying the product directly on your clothing as instructed on the label (just don't use permethrin directly on your skin).

From the What to Expect editorial team and Heidi Murkoff, author of What to Expect When You're Expecting. Health information on this site is based on peer-reviewed medical journals and highly respected health organizations and institutions including ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists), CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics), as well as the What to Expect books by Heidi Murkoff.